Gov. Newsom\u2019s May Revise Includes $20 Million Increase for Immigration Legal Services to Defend Californians from Mass Deportations<\/p>\n
05\/14\/2026<\/p>\n
ddelacruz
\nThu, 05\/14\/2026 – 14:39<\/p>\n
(Sacramento, CA)–Today, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a revised state budget that would increase the existing $75 million in funding for California\u2019s immigration legal services programs by a one-time $20 million increase.
\nImmigrant rights advocates praised the governor for seizing the opportunity to expand deportation defense services in light of ongoing threats to immigrant Californians by the Trump administration. In 2025 alone, the federal government earmarked over $170 billion to immigration enforcement via the federal reconciliation process; dollars utilized to terrorize and target communities across the nation. Even now, Congress is considering adding another $70 billion to further bolster ICE’s overbloated budget, and therefore, California’s budget must respond accordingly to protect countless families.
\nOver the last decade, California’s immigration legal services programs have helped tens of thousands of families, children and residents access trusted legal counsel as they navigate a complex immigration system. More than 100 nonprofits statewide rely on this state investment to meet the growing demand for legal support in immigrant communities.
\nAdvocates are urging the Legislature to include the increase for immigration legal services in the final budget. California’s strong pro-immigrant policy record, they say, should serve as a foundation for greater investment \u2014 not a ceiling.
\nAccess to trusted legal counsel is vital in keeping immigrant families together, defending due process, and for the wellbeing of our communities. We urge the Legislature to continue protecting and investing in California\u2019s immigration legal services programs. By doing so, we can better ensure that California continues to lead the way on immigrant rights, equity and inclusion.
\nHere are quotes from organizations that provide immigration legal services in California:
\nImmigrant Legal Resource Center
\n\u201cThese services have been instrumental in ensuring thousands of Californians access trusted immigration legal services over the last decade,\u201d said Abraham Bedoy, California Policy and Government Affairs Manager for the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. \u201cWe commend Governor Newsom for his proposed increase to immigration legal services, and we urge the Legislature to include both the existing funding and proposed augmentation in the final budget to ensure more Californians can access legal counsel at a time when due process protections are under attack.\u201d
\nCARECEN
\n\u201cWhile we recognize the importance of maintaining funding for immigration legal services, California is facing a moment that demands more,\u201d said Martha Ar\u00e9valo, CARECEN-LA, Executive Director. \u201cImmigrant communities are confronting unprecedented attacks and growing legal needs under the Trump administration\u2019s mass deportation agenda. California\u2019s strong pro-immigrant values cannot simply remain symbolic, they must be backed by meaningful investment that ensures families have access to trusted legal counsel, due process, and stability. We urge state leaders to expand funding in the final budget, continue leading with courage and compassion, and invest back into the communities that contribute so much to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our state.\u201d<\/p>\n
Immigrant Legal Defense
\n\u201cAcross California, immigrants are being kidnapped, detained and deported without due process,\u201d said Eleni Wolfe-Roubatis, Co-Executive Director of Immigrant Legal Defense. \u201c The increased investment in removal defense will expand access to counsel, keeping more families together.\u201d
\nImmigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef)
\n\u201cOur communities are still reeling from the terror inflicted by ICE\u2019s militarized operations across California. The harm is real, ongoing, and deeply felt. We welcome the Governor\u2019s initiative to increase funding for removal defense,\u201d said Alexandra Morales, advocacy and external relations director at Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef). \u201cThis investment recognizes that maintaining the status quo is not an option and that this moment demands greater investment in immigrant communities. Families continue to be separated, and too many Californians are still forced into the shadows out of fear. The resources we dedicate to immigrant legal services must reflect both the urgency of this moment and the immense contributions immigrants make to this state every day.\u201d
\nVera Institute of Justice
\n\u201cWe applaud Governor Gavin Newsom for increasing funding for California\u2019s immigration legal services programs, ensuring that Californians facing deportation have access to effective counsel. This will give them a meaningful opportunity to defend their right to remain safely in their communities and continue contributing to the workforce, culture, and economy,\u201d said Arisel Garcia, senior program associate for the Advancing Universal Representation initiative at the Vera Institute of Justice. \u201cAs cruel and illegal attacks from the federal government continue to target our immigrant neighbors, the Governor increasing funding for immigration legal services is essential to defending due process.\u201d
\nCalifornia Immigrant Policy Center
\n\u201cWe applaud the governor for expanding vital legal services for Californians detained by ICE and facing deportation against a rogue, lawless administration. Legal representation is a lifeline \u2014 and every person deserves the right to legal counsel when their life, liberty, and freedom are on the line,\u201d said Bruno Huizar, supervising policy manager of California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC). \u201cAs the Trump administration intensifies mass deportations backed by $170 billion in federal funding, California must continue to build on its historic investments in immigration programs that protect children, uphold due process and keep families together.\u201d
\nServices, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN)
\n\u201cThe federal government has already signaled that it is doubling down on mass deportation, both from this Administration and from Congress. Legal services for those who face detention, deportation, or both are vital to protecting our communities and stand against family separation,\u201d said Huy Tran, Executive Director of Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN). \u201cBy expanding funding for immigration legal services, the Governor is leading the way to show that California is committed to this fight as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
This update may affect individuals and families currently receiving or applying for government assistance programs. We encourage you to review the details and consult official sources for the most accurate information.<\/p>\n
Visit the official source for complete details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions:<\/p>\n
Read the full article at Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC →<\/a><\/p>\n
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